Today (Monday 11/8) was my (Derek) first day of paternity leave. I have the next nine+ weeks home and it couldn't have started on a better note. The weather was spectacular (low 60's and perfect blue sky) so we spent quite a bit of time outside. Unfortunately, I did not have the wherewithal to pack the camera in addition to the diaper bag, snacks, clothes, etc... So you'll have to use your imagination when I tell you that we had a lot of fun at two different city parks.
Onto the pictures I do have. This week is a mishmash as I managed to snap several interesting shots of Hans and Henry. See below.
It is getting tough to get a good picture of both boys.
Totally overexposed this (was accidentally shooting full manual) too bad 'cause it's a priceless face.
The next three are his weekly shot. I honestly couldn't choose. The first one is a classic Hans smile.
This is where Hans was about 30 seconds after I shot the series above.
And finally, a parting shot of the two boys together. This is the best picture I've shot of the two of them in quite a while. Hans wasn't sad, his eyes and nose have been running from a nasty cold over this last week.
Week 20. Hans is very fun. Overall he's a very jolly, smiley kid. Loves to stand with help, sit up with some help and watch Henry play. We're not sleeping so well these days but I'm hoping that is something that changes in the next week or so before I go back to work. I'm optimistic at this point.
The weather was wonderful this weekend. We spent one morning hiking at a county park. Henry did a great job hiking and Hans was a trooper and slept the whole time in the carrier. Derek showed Henry how to roll down a hill. Later Henry asked him to do it again but Derek said he was still somewhat dizzy from earlier. I don't think adults are meant to spin around that fast. 
Back up the hill after rolling.
At the top of our hike. As you see, we missed the leaves changing. It was still a beautiful day and it was fun to get out and enjoy it all together. Too bad Hans is looking the other way at the valley otherwise it would be a great family picture. 
Week 19
Henry's halloween costume (he actually helped me sew it)
One night Hans was a mess so one of us had him and the other was making dinner. Henry was quietly playing in the living room and made this all by himself. Wow. 
I vaguely remember a picture of me about this age with the same expression. I normally think Hans looks more like Derek.
Derek and Henry already have the coop ready for Christmas. Actually we have it lit so that the birds keep laying since there isn't enough daylight. First Derek had just put a light up top. The first morning he went out and there was serious bird confusion. They wanted to get up but outside the coop it was still dark. So, there was a line up of birds on the ramp leaving the coop. They are so funny sometimes. Derek and Henry then added the strand of lights down below with their food and water which seems to be enough for them to get out the door of the coop, down the ramp and to the food and water. So far, we're still getting eggs. Hopefully it keeps up.
Favorite spot to sit and play.
Tummy time.
Post apple picking snack. Mmmm donuts. 
At the orchard. We picked one of the coldest mornings so far to go. At least it was sunny.
The apple pickers.
Official week 16 photo. Also Hans seems to have found his voice this week. Lots of different sounds all the time. 